Area pastor arrested on child pornography charge

On behalf of Frank, Juengel & Radefeld, Attorneys at Law posted in Internet Crimes on Friday, March 28, 2014.

The Internet has become integral to the daily lives of St. Louis residents. From connecting with others socially to performing their jobs, it seems there is no end to what individuals can do online these days.

Of course, with the increased usage of the Internet, there are also increasing accusations of Internet crime by law enforcement. One of the most serious charges involving Internet crime is a child pornography charge, which can be brought against the most unsuspecting of individuals.

For instance, a pastor was recently arrested on a child pornography charge after an investigation from law enforcement. Investigators had been allegedly trading child pornography with the man since December. The authorities did not suspect the man had any inappropriate contact with children at the church where he worked.

Child pornography charges can be particularly damaging to a person because the sentences can often be very severe if the person is convicted. In addition to a potentially severe prison sentence or fine, the person also can face years' worth of added scrutiny when they are forced to become a registered sex offender. Several sex offender registration laws are now in effect that can greatly impact a person's residence, job and numerous other aspects of their future.

Accordingly, those facing these charges should be prepared to mount a vigorous child pornography defense. By working with a qualified criminal defense attorney, individuals can discover what types of defenses may be applicable in their particular case, and how to best present those defenses.

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Frank, Juengel & Radefeld, Attorneys at Law, of St. Louis, Missouri, provides representation in St. Louis, St. Charles, Hillsboro, Town and Country, Clayton, Maryland Heights, Wildwood, Florissant, Hazelwood, Cape Girardeau, Ballwin, Chesterfield, St. Peters, O'Fallon, St. Genevieve, University City, St. Ann, Bowling Green, Troy, Union, Creve Coeur Alton, Edwardsville, Belleville, Waterloo, Collinsville, Fairview Heights and Wood River. This includes the municipalities of St. Louis County, St. Charles County, Jefferson County, Franklin County, St. Clair County, Madison County, Warren County, Montgomery County, Washington County and Lincoln County, as well as Southern Illinois. We are licensed to represent clients in Missouri, Illinois and Federal Courts.